The Celtic squad is getting stronger and stronger by the week.
Brendan Rodgers hasn’t had many setbacks this season, other than Celtic conceding seven to Borussia Dortmund, so it has allowed the squad to grow.
That was proven when Celtic beat Motherwell 3-0 over the weekend, only days after that impressive Champions League display against Atalanta.
Several changes were made for the trip to Fir Park, in some cases, it was just to rotate the squad, but in other circumstances, such as Callum McGregor’s minor knock, it was forced.
Either way, competition is growing, which is good for the team going forward as they try to juggle the revamped Champions League format and win all the trophies on the domestic circuit.
Another reason behind the quality in squad depth is Celtic continuing to shine in the transfer market and they proved that again this summer.
As a result, it has thrown up a few debates as to who deserves to start for Celtic when everyone is fit.
Liam Scales is ‘deserving’ of a start for Celtic
Cameron Carter-Vickers has been sidelined for the past month and it has opened up the door for new signing Auston Trusty to start alongside Liam Scales.
The duo have kept back-to-back clean sheets, including in the Champions League, and many have asked if it means Carter-Vickers remains on the bench.
But, for Stephen Craigan, he made it clear that Scales isn’t going anywhere and his ‘dramatic improvement’ during these last 12 months means that he is ‘deserving of a place in the team’, as he told The Scottish Football Podcast.
“Auston Trusty will have to show that he is better than what Liam Scales is,” said Craigan. “I think, at this moment in time, he isn’t.
“He’s had a couple of good games recently and a good game (against Atalanta). He had a difficult night in Dortmund, as did Liam Scales.
“But I think, over the piece, the consistency of Liam Scales and the improvement. Dramatic improvement, we have to say. It’s really deserving of a place in the team. Plus, with Cameron Carter-Vickers coming back, what it means for Brendan Rodgers is that he has three centre-havles who are ready to go and play. That’s why you build a squad. It gives him a strong position and a strong hand.”
Scales’ stats for Celtic
Life is about taking your opportunity and Scales has done just that during the past 12 or so months.
The 26-year-old was probably headed for another loan spell last summer, but injuries to the backline opened the door for him and he hasn’t looked back since.
The Republic of Ireland international was crucial in Rodgers making a trophy-winning return to the club and he has continued to rise since.
WhoScored has rated Scales 7.51 for the season so far, including 7.72 in the Premiership and 7.10 in the Champions League.
| Tournament | Apps | Tackles | Goals | Clearances | PS% | AerialsWon | MotM | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiership | 9 | 1.6 | 1 | 4.7 | 91.7 | 6 | 1 | 7.72 |
| UEFA Nations League B Ireland | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4.5 | 83 | 5.5 | – | 7.16 |
| Champions League | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 92.5 | 4.7 | – | 7.10 |
| Int. Friendly Ireland | 1(1) | N/A | – | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | – |
| League Cup | 1 | N/A | – | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | – |
| Total / Average | 17 | 1.9 | 3 | 4.9 | 90.6 | 5.6 | 1 | 7.51 |
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